It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

It was a busy nine-game slate around the National Basketball Association. However, it wasn't a good night for many clubs, especially the ones that dealt with an injury.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

LaMelo Ball Injury Update

LaMelo Ball exited Monday's meeting with the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. This is an all too familiar ailment, as the 21-year-old injured it twice already this season. He missed the first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign because of it before making his season debut on November 12 against Miami.https://twitter.com/HornetsOnBally/status/1615898994508546048?s=20&t=2ONmwk9cIuX1k5z8xOpxsQUnfortunately, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick was incapacitated again after stepping on a fan's foot during a matchup with Indiana just a few days later, keeping him sidelined for an additional 11 games. Now, it appears fantasy managers will be without Ball for a while, considering he needed help getting to the locker room.With ... [More]

As we celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the NBA had a loaded schedule throughout Monday. Unfortunately, there were some injuries throughout the day, which may create issues for teams moving ahead.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 16, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Donovan Mitchell Injury Update

Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear in his first season as a Cavalier, averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game. The 26-year-old has certainly made an impact, so there is naturally some concern surrounding his most recent injury, a groin strain, suffered during Monday's win over the Pelicans.https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/1615106299636719632?s=20&t=nIB5An7gWfmmxjT49g7LLAMitchell exited in the third quarter and did not return to the contest, finishing with 11 points in 22 minutes. The former Louisville Cardinal has stayed relatively healthy in 2022-23, missing only five games. However, with the Cavs looking to make a deep run into the postseason, Mitchell may miss some games, beginning with Wednesday's meeting in Memphis.https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1615116579011690502?s=20&t=8uEcBgsFXrfQNXVsKuQmNAWithout him in the lineup, others will have to step up. Of course, the first name to come to mind is ... [More]

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, according to head coach Monty Williams. Payne sprained his right foot on Wednesday, which isn't ideal for a Suns team that has lost their last five games. Chris Paul (hip) is day-to-day, while Devin Booker (groin) remains out for the foreseeable future. As a result, Landry Shamet and Duane Washington Jr., who combined for 24 points off 27 shots versus Miami on Friday, could see extra minutes moving ahead, with the former expected to start if Paul misses time. Nonetheless, Shamet and Washington could serve useful in deep fantasy formats. However, Shamet has a slight end in fantasy potential.

Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne (foot) won't be able to take the court Friday against Miami. He left Wednesday's clash with Cleveland early and is nursing a sore right foot. Payne had only just returned from a nine-game absence, so he's had some really bad luck on the injury front. His absence gives Duane Washington Jr. an opportunity to play more, although he only logged two minutes on Wednesday and definitely isn't a reliable option for fantasy managers. Damion Lee should also benefit from the situation, and he's a much better target for managers, but Lee tends to blow hot and cold, so you never really know what you are going to get with him.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is not a good sign considering this was Payne's first game back after a nine-game absence due to a sprained right foot. There is a good chance that Payne misses more time from this injury, but fantasy managers will have to wait and see. Chris Paul would be asked to take on a heavier role, while Duane Washington Jr. would see more minutes off the bench. Washington could have some deep league appeal, assuming Payne does miss time from this injury.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) has missed the team's previous nine games due to a foot strain. Now, the 28-year-old is listed as probable to make his return on Monday night against the New York Knicks. The team could use him back in the lineup since Devin Booker remains sidelined. Payne has averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game so far this season. Josh Okogie and Damion Lee will likely take a hit to their fantasy value with Payne back on the floor.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) won't play on Tuesday versus Memphis, marking his seventh straight absence. The 28-year-old started 14 times this season while Chris Paul was out with a heel injury, averaging 15.1 points and 7.3 assists. With Devin Booker (groin) and Landry Shamet (Achilles) out as well, the team could have certainly used Payne back in the lineup. However, without him, Damion Lee, who scored 18 points in the Christmas meeting with Denver, should slide into the starting five.

Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne (foot) will miss a fifth consecutive game Friday against Memphis. He is dealing with a right foot sprain and it's helped Duane Washington Jr. to re-enter the rotation. With that said, it's very tough for any point guard to produce fantasy value with Chris Paul healthy in Phoenix, and Washington Jr. shouldn't be considered by fantasy managers. Payne did a great job in Paul's absence, averaging 15.1 points with 3.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists as a starter, but he's now gone back to the second unit and it greatly limits his fantasy outlook.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) will sit on Tuesday night for the team's second home game in as many nights. The 28-year-old will miss his fourth consecutive game with this ankle issue and there hasn't exactly been a firm timetable established for his return. Most strains, like his, seem to be more of a day-to-day consideration so fantasy managers will have to check back for any updates. Damion Lee is likely to keep seeing added time for as long as Payne has to remain sidelined.

Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne (ankle) will sit Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Payne twisted his ankle in their last game on Tuesday and will likely need a few days to heal. Josh Okogie and Damion Lee are in line to get extra minutes off the bench while veteran point guard Chris Paul plays the majority of the point guard minutes.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (ankle) and point guard Cameron Payne (foot) were both unable to suit up for Wednesday's practice session after having exited Tuesday's contest against Houston early. With Devin Booker (hamstring) already sidelined, Phoenix is facing widespread absences from key contributors ahead of Thursday's meeting with the Clippers. Ayton has produced his usual solid fantasy production in 2022-23, averaging 17 points and 9.5 boards per contest. An absence from the big man would pave the way for Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo to get more minutes in the frontcourt. Payne has been a key second-unit contributor, with a potential absence funneling more shots in the direction of Landry Shamet and Damion Lee in the short-term.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (foot) exited Tuesday's loss to Houston with a right foot injury. He didn't return. While Chris Paul was sidelined with a heel issue, Payne took over and averaged 15.1 points and 7.3 assists while shooting 39.5% from deep in 14 starts. Although Paul has since returned, Payne still plays a pivotal role in the rotation. It's possible the 28-year-old won't be available against the Clippers for the Suns' final contest of a four-game road trip. If that's the case, Damion Lee and Josh Okogie may see additional work, even more so if Devin Booker (hamstring) can't suit up. However, both men should draw attention from only the most desperate of fantasy managers.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne finished with 17 points, five assists, and three steals in Friday's loss to Utah. After scoring 29 points against the Warriors on Wednesday, the 29-year-old cooled off. In all fairness, Devin Booker's 49-point performance held back all of his teammates on the scoring end. Nonetheless, Payne has averaged 20.8 points in four starts this season, so as long as Chris Paul (heel) remains sidelined, he should be featured in nearly every fantasy lineup.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne received another spot start as Chris Paul was forced to miss another game. He delivered a big performance against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The backup point guard logged 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one block while shooting 9-for-17 from the floor and knocking down six of his 10 three-point attempts. Payne has been a really good streaming option while Paul is out. He's bound to have a few big games when he catches fire as he gets more attempts.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (knee) is good to go for Sunday's Game 1 contest. He missed the final two games of the regular season, but was able to practice on Wednesday. The Suns were likely being cautious and holding Payne out as a precaution. He should play his normal backup minutes off the bench, but won't be the best DFS option with Chris Paul healthy.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (illness) won't play on Sunday in Sacramento. Fortunately, he's not dealing with COVID-19, and with the Suns not playing again until Wednesday night in Minnesota, there's a shot he will be back by then. Nevertheless, Elfrid Payton will take Payne's spot in the starting lineup, although he remains a risky fantasy option. Aaron Holiday also has upside, while Devin Booker could thrive as the team's primary ball-handler.

Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne (wrist) will make his return to the court in Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Suns coach Monty Williams stated prior to the game that Payne and fellow injured point guard Aaron Holiday (ankle) will be on minutes limits. Williams says that he plans to play each of the players in "five minute bursts." Payne has been sidelined for over a month, but he's in position to have a strong finish to the year due to the injury to star point guard Chris Paul (thumb). The Suns are also now without Devin Booker, who is sidelined due to health and safety protocols. Payne should be rostered in all fantasy leagues, even though he may not deliver a satisfying performance in Wednesday's game.

Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne (wrist) has been listed as probable to play in Wednesday's contest against Portland. Payne has been sidelined since Jan. 22 due to a sprained right wrist, with a return coming at a crucial time as the team is already down Chris Paul (thumb) for the foreseeable future. Payne could step right into a starting role, a position that he has not yet manned in 2021-22, having done so just once during his 108-game tenure with the Suns. Irrespective of where his minutes come, Payne stands to have some short-term season-long value in deeper formats once his time on the floor rises.

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. Payne continues to sit out due to a wrist sprain, but should have an expanded role once he's healthy. Aaron Holiday (ankle) is tagged as questionable, but should see a bigger role, assuming he can play. Otherwise, Landry Shamet and Elfrid Payton will see more playing time. Neither are great streaming options, but should see decent minutes with the Suns shorthanded. Devin Booker is likely to continue doing a majority of the ball handling in Phoenix.